The short answer to this question is yes. We most certainly accept the “church and priesthood structure as given in the Doctrine and Covenants as given to the original Church under the leadership of the Prophet Joseph Smith Jr., and subsequent Prophets of the Reorganization, namely Joseph Smith III (son of Joseph Smith Jr.), Frederick M. Smith (son of Joseph Smith III and grandson of Joseph Jr.) and Israel A. Smith (also a son of Joseph Smith III and a grandson of Joseph Smith Jr.). The Church under the leadership of Joseph Smith III became known as the Reorganized Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. There have been two additional prophets to the RLDS Church; namely W. Wallace Smith (also a son of Joseph Smith III and grandson of the martyr) and Wallace B. Smith (son of W. Wallace Smith and great grandson of Joseph Smith Jr.). However, under the leadership of the latter two prophets, the institutional church began to move away from the doctrine and teachings of the original Church as it existed prior to the untimely death of Israel A. Smith in 1958.

 

An example of doctrinal change would be the purported revelation in 1984 accepting the ordination of women to the priesthood. There have also been three subsequent presidents of the institutional church after the resignation of Wallace B. Smith. During the tenure of these last three, the name of the institutional RLDS Church was changed to the Community of Christ, and there were many significant changes away from the doctrine and teachings of the original Church and Reorganization. Therefore, for this document we will only consider those revelations given to the original Church and the Reorganization through the first four prophets. As a result of this, we will only consider Doctrine and Covenants sections 1-144 of the early Church and Reorganization.

 

We recognize that as Joseph Smith Jr. had been chosen by God to be the earthly instrument for the restoration of God’s ancient church upon the Earth, that there would have to be some way of conferring authority to men upon the earth in order to minister for God and Christ. That authority was first divinely given to Joseph Smith Jr. and Oliver Cowdery through the restoration of the Aaronic and the Melchisedec Priesthoods. From history we know that they first received the Aaronic Priesthood and later the Melchisedec Priesthood. From that point, little by little the organization of the Church with its various officers was established as part of the Restoration.

From Doctrine and Covenants 104:1-8 (LDS D&C 107:1-14) we see the foundational order of the two priesthoods from which all Priesthood and doctrine is rooted.

 

    1a There are, in the church, two priesthoods; namely: the Melchisedec, and the Aaronic, including the Levitical priesthood. 1b Why the first is called the Melchisedec priesthood, is because Melchisedec was such a great high priest: before his day it was called the holy priesthood, after the order of the Son of God;  1c but out of respect or reverence to the name of the Supreme Being, to avoid the too frequent repetition of his name, they, the church, in ancient days, called that priesthood after Melchisedec, or the Melchisedec priesthood. 

 

     2 All other authorities, or offices in the church are appendages to this priesthood; but there are two divisions, or grand heads–one is the Melchisedec priesthood, and the other is the Aaronic, or Levitical priesthood. 

 

     3a The office of an elder comes under the priesthood of Melchisedec. 3b The Melchisedec priesthood holds the right of presidency, and has power and authority over all the offices in the church, in all ages of the world, to administer in spiritual things. 

     4 The presidency of the high priesthood, after the order of Melchisedec, have a right to officiate in all the offices in the church. 

     5 High priests, after the order of the Melchisedec priesthood, have a right to officiate in their own standing, under the direction of the Presidency, in administering spiritual things, and also in the office of an elder, priest (of the Levitical order), teacher, deacon, and member. 

     6 An elder has a right to officiate in his stead when the high priest is not present. 

     7 The high priest and elder are to administer in spiritual things, agreeably to the covenants and commandments of the church; and they have a right to officiate in all these offices of the church when there are no higher authorities present. 

     8a The second priesthood is called the priesthood of Aaron, because it was conferred upon Aaron and his seed, throughout all their generations. 8b Why it is called the lesser priesthood is, because it is an appendage to the greater, or the Melchisedec priesthood, and has power in administering outward ordinances.

     This Aaronic Priesthood consists of the offices of Priest, Teacher and Deacon. D&C 17-  12a)  Every Elder, priest, teacher, or deacon is to be ordained according to the gifts and callings of God unto him; 12b) and he is to be ordained by the power of the Holy Ghost which is in the one who ordains him. (LDS D&C 20:60)

 

Below is the basic structure of the Melchisedec Priesthood as it was given to the original Church and to the Reorganization:

 

1st: The President (prophet)

2nd: The two counselors to the President

3rd: The Twelve Apostles

4th: The Seventies

5th: Seven Presidents of Seventies

6th: The Patriarch

7th: The Evangelical Ministers

8th: High Priests

9th: Elders

10th: Bishops

11th: Bishops Counsellors

12th: The High Council, Standing

13th: The Stake Councils

14th: Stake Presidents

15th: Counsellors to Stake Presidents

16th: Presidents of Quorums

17th: Counsellors to Presidents of Quorums

18th: Priests

19th: Teachers

20th: Deacons

 

Also, Districts will have similar organization as a Stake

 

1. President (Prophet) – The President of the Church is the presiding high priest (Prophet) over all of the Church. The D&C teaches that the First Presidency consists of “three presiding high priests…chosen by the body…appointed and ordained to that office , and upheld by the confidence, faith, and prayer of the church…form[ing] a quorum of the Presidency of the church” . This Presidency (President and two counselors form a quorum of the Presidency of the Church) holds the highest priesthood keys and oversees all spiritual and administrative affairs of the church. The President/prophet has the right and privilege to receive revelation and direction for the entire Church.
2. Counselors to the President – The two counselors are ordained and sustained to assist the President. Together with the President these high priests form the First Presidency, a quorum “equal in authority and power” to the Apostles. They share in governance and may act for the President as directed by revelation and church law. (D&C 104 [LDS D&C 107] implies all three presidency members hold the same Melchizedek Priesthood keys.)
3. Twelve Apostles (Council of the Twelve) – Twelve high priests are chosen, by inspiration through the president of the Church, to administer the work of the Church in all the various fields of labor in all the world. He is also to take the Gospel of Jesus Christ into all the world thereby fulfilling the commandment of the Lord. While the work of the First Presidency is necessarily carried out at headquarters, the apostles go into the various mission fields, acting for the Presidency in all matters requiring the supervision and attention of that quorum. Because the apostles are acting for the First Presidency in the entire field of Church activity, they receive their instructions from the Presidency. (For further study of this important office, read Doctrine and Covenants 17:8; 123:13, 23; 120:4-5, 7; 105:6.) (LDS D&C 20:38-44, N/A, N/A, D&C 112:14-15) The distinctive function of this office relates to missionary supervision.
4. Seventies (Quorum of the Seventy) – The Seventy are also traveling missionaries. D&C 104:11e–f (LDS D&C 107:25-27) states that “the Seventy are…especial witnesses unto the Gentiles…and in all the world,” and they form a quorum “equal in authority” to the Twelve . They work under the Twelve (D&C 104:13, LDS D&C 107:34-35), “to build up the church and regulate all the affairs of the same in all nations” . In practice, the Seventy preach the gospel abroad, prepare the way for the Apostles, and assist in administering church business where sent. (For further study, see Doctrine and Covenants 104:11e, 13a, 16, 43.) (LDS D&C 107:25, 34, 38, 93-98.)
5. Seven Presidents of the Seventy – These seven High Priests preside as a single presidency over the Seventy. D&C 107:44a (LDS D&C 124:138) provides the names of seven men “to preside over the quorum of seventies, which quorum is instituted for traveling elders to bear record of [Christ’s] name in all the world, wherever…my apostles shall send them” . Thus, the Seven Presidents guide and assign the work of the Seventy. D&C 107:44b–c (LDS D&C 124:140) explains that unlike individual Seventies, who “travel continually,” the Presidents “preside over the churches from time to time” (i.e. they supervise but do not constantly travel) .
6. Patriarch (Presiding Patriarch/Evangelist) – The Presiding Patriarch is an Evangelist to the whole church. D&C 125:3–4 (not in LDS D&C) declares that “the patriarch is an evangelical minister,” whose duties include preaching, teaching, comforting the saints, acting as “a father to the church,” and laying hands to bless individuals (including, if inspired, declaring their lineage). He is considered “first” among patriarchs and presides when Patriarchs meet in council. He may be asked to counsel other priesthood quorums (but by tradition has no vote in them). In summary, the Presiding Patriarch has authority to minister blessings and counsel globally, but does not administer church government beyond his patriarchal duties.
7. Evangelical Ministers (Evangelists) – In addition to the Presiding Patriarch, other Evangelical Ministers (also called Patriarchs/Evangelists in branches) serve locally. D&C 125:6 (not in LDS D&C) says “other evangelical ministers…have similar duties in the districts where they are appointed”. Like the Presiding Patriarch, they preach, revive faith, bless and comfort church members, and administer patriarchal blessings (but they are not responsible for branch administration). These ministers are ordained by calling, and revelations command that they be ordained to this office (so far as has been heeded). (Further study of this office can be had by reading Doctrine and Covenants 104:17; 122:8; 125:3-6; 107:29; 129:7.) (LDS D&C 107:39, N/A, N/A, 124:91-96, N/A)
8. High Priests (Melchizedek Priesthood) – High Priests hold the Melchizedek Priesthood (the “greater priesthood”). D&C 104:5–6 (LDS D&C 107:10-11) teaches that High Priests “have a right to officiate in their own standing under the direction of the Presidency, in administering spiritual things”. The duties of high priests, not called to any of the specific duties outlined above, are in the main pastoral. They also serve on the various high councils of the Church. Upon these ministers rest the responsibilities of presidency in large branches and districts in particular. They should be chosen by common consent for these responsibilities in preference to other officers, where no valid reason exists to do otherwise. This is the foundation office of the high priesthood. (For further study see Doctrine and Covenants 104:5, 7, 8d.) (LDS D&C 107:10, 12, 17)
9. Elders (Melchizedek Priesthood) – Elders are ordained to the Melchizedek Priesthood and serve as general ministers and missionaries. An Elder has the authority to preach, baptize, administer the Sacrament, and perform all Melchizedek ordinances. He may officiate in a branch (e.g. as branch president) and can act as High Priest when no High Priest is present. In D&C 125:8 Joseph III also clarifies that the term “elders” in scripture means all Melchizedek Priesthood holders (High Priests, Seventies, etc.) . (Thus an Elder’s authority is essentially the baseline Melchizedek Priesthood authority – which includes ministering in spiritual matters.)  He is to confirm the Church by the laying on of the hands and the giving of the Holy Ghost. The Elder is to take the lead of meetings and so conduct them as they are led by the Holy Ghost according to the commandments and revelations of God. D&C 17:8 (LDS D&C 20:38-44)
10. Bishops preside over the Aaronic (lesser) Priesthood, which handles temporal and outward ordinances. D&C 104:8–9 (LDS D&C 107:13-19) explains: “The Bishopric is the presidency of [the Aaronic] priesthood and holds the keys or authority of the same”. The Bishop oversees tithes, offerings, the ministry of angels (missionary work), and temporal affairs of the church. By revelation, only literal descendants of Aaron have a “legal right” to hold this office . If no Aaronic descendant is available, the First Presidency may ordain a Melchizedek High Priest to be bishop (and he then holds the Aaronic keys). Certain high priests, as required, are designated to minister as bishops and are so ordained. Three of this number are further ordained to be the Presiding Bishopric of the Church. These men are concerned specifically with the teachings and administering of the financial laws and policies of the Church. Bishops are also chosen to labor in large branches, districts, and missions, and in other general spheres of financial supervision. The bishops are the custodians of all the tithes and related monies (see Doctrine and Covenants 42:8; 68:2; 104:32-33). (LDS D&C 42:29-31, 68:13-21, 107:68-75)
11. Bishop’s Counselors – In a bishopric (stake or branch), counselors assist the Bishop. D&C 125:10 prescribes organizing stakes “after the pattern…a bishop and his counselors” (and similarly, branch bishops have counselors). These counselors are ordained to support the bishop in his duties (temporal affairs, welfare, and administering ordinances). They share responsibility for whatever the Bishop oversees and may act in his stead by assignment.
12. Standing High Council (Council of Zion) – The Standing High Council is the council of High Priests in Zion (the City of Independence). D&C 104:14–15 (LDS D&C 107:36-37) teaches that the standing High Council has the same authority “in all their decisions” as the First Presidency or the Twelve. In other words, its rulings on church business are equal in power to those of the presidency or apostles. (Historically, this council was envisioned as the central governing council when the church is organized in Zion.)
13. Stake High Councils – Each stake of Zion likewise has a standing High Council of twelve High Priests. D&C 104:14 (LDS D&C 107:36) says “the standing high councils in the stakes of Zion form a quorum equal in authority…to the quorum of the Presidency or to the traveling high council” . That means a Stake High Council (when fully formed) has the same weight of authority in stake matters as the First Presidency or the Council of Twelve. Stake High Councils assist the Stake Presidency in administration and discipline, and their decisions carry equal force with other top bodies.
14. Stake President (Presiding High Priest of Stake) – Each stake’s presiding officer is a Stake President (a High Priest called to lead that stake). D&C 107:46a (LDS D&C 124:142) explicitly lists “the president of the stake and his counselors” as ordained offices . The Stake President holds keys to preside in the stake under the First Presidency, oversees stake business, and presides over the Stake High Council.
15. Counselors to Stake President – The Stake President has two counselors (also High Priests) to assist him. As in the First Presidency, these counselors share administrative duties. The grouping of “president of the stake and his counselors” in D&C 107:46a (LDS D&C 124:142) indicates they are jointly sustained offices. They help govern the stake, preside over stake conferences, and manage stake programs under the President’s direction.
16. Presidents of Quorums (of Elders, Priests, Teachers, Deacons, etc.) – Below the stake level, each priesthood quorum has a President. For example, D&C 107:46a (LDS D&C 124:142) names the President of the Priests Quorum (Samuel Rolfe) and the Presidents of the Teachers and Deacons Quorums . (In branches, an Elder’s Quorum President is typically the branch president.)  Each such President is ordained to preside over his quorum (elders, priests, teachers, or deacons), holding the keys of that quorum’s assignments and helping coordinate quorum activities.
17. Counselors to Quorum Presidents – Quorum Presidents are assisted by counselors, forming a presidency for each quorum. D&C 107:46a (LDS D&C 124:142) repeatedly lists each Quorum President “and his counselors”, signifying that counselors are integral to the quorum presidency. These counselors share the responsibility of leading that quorum’s members, and are ordained to the specific office of counselor in that quorum.
18. Priests (Aaronic Priesthood) – Priests, like the elders and high priests described above, are standing ministers to the Church. That is, they are, first, local ministers. While the foregoing officers have been designated Melchisedec ministry, priests, teachers and deacons are members of the second or Aaronic ministry. A priest’s duty is to preach, teach, expound, exhort, baptize, and administer the Sacrament, and visit the home of each member of the branch. He visits the homes with the express duty of teaching the members their duties, and should be so regarded and received. He is to exhort the members to pray vocally and in secret and to attend to all family duties. Within the scope of his calling, he may assist the elders where necessary. A priest may be called upon to travel, if willing, and do the work of a missionary, but because of the limitations of his Aaronic priesthood, which does not entitle him to lay on hands for confirmation, his functioning as a missionary is restricted (see D&C 17:10, LDS D&C 20:46-52).
19. Teachers (Aaronic Priesthood) – This title does not refer to the teachers appointed to class work in the local Church school, but is a specific calling of a spiritual nature. It is the duty of those ordained to the office of teacher to watch over the Church always. He is also to be with and strengthen the Church and see that there is no sin in the church, neither hardness with each other or lying, back-biting nor evil speaking. The Teacher is to see that proper relationships of saintliness are maintained and see that the church meet together often and that all members do their duty. The Teacher is to take the lead of meetings in the absence of the Elder or Priest. A teacher is to warn, expound, exhort, and teach and invite all to come unto Christ. (see D&C 17:11, LDS D&C 20:53-59).
20. Deacons (Aaronic Priesthood) – The work of the deacon  is an important one in the work of the branch. He is to always assist the Teachers as needed. The Deacon is to warn, expound, exhort and teach and invite all to come unto Christ. The Deacon is also to be concerned with the physical comforts and needs of the people as they come to the house of worship. He has the responsibility of providing ushering and orderly conduct at all gatherings of the membership. The Deacon is to assist in the financial matters of the local branch and assist in the teaching of the financial law of the Church. (see D&C 17:11, LDS D&C 20:53-59).

Each of the above officers is a distinct office requiring separate ordination (laying on of hands) to that office. In RLDS practice every one of the 20 offices listed is filled only by ordination to that calling.

 

The question has been asked: “Is there a Prophet, First Presidency, and the Twelve Apostles today in the Restoration Branch Movement and if not, why not?”

 

Presently there is not a Prophet, First Presidency or quorum of Twelve Apostles over the church. The reason for this is because the institutional leaders of the RLDS/Community of Christ left the doctrine and principles of the original 1830 Church and the continuation of the original Church through the Reorganization in 1860. Because of their departure from these principles and doctrines that were restored to the earth by God and His only begotten Son—Jesus, many people desirous to hold fast to those original teachings exercised their God-given rights to form what is known as the Restoration Branch Movement. Because the late 20th century Prophet, First Presidency and Quorum of the Twelve Apostles all moved toward the liberalization of the Church, it left those in the Restoration Branch Movement without the key leadership. However, those in the Restoration Branches are waiting upon the Lord to bring forth from the lineage of Joseph Smith Jr. the 7th prophet of the Church to so order the Church with all of its officers and leaders, that the Church may move forward with all that the Lord has placed in His Church. There are some who believe that instead of the 7th prophet from the Smith bloodline, that it could be Jesus himself to come forth to be the one who sets the Church in its full order. Either way, we patiently and anxiously await that glorious day.

 

In the meantime, as Independent Restoration Branches, we are actively involved in the work of spreading the Fullness of the Gospel of Jesus Christ locally and in many countries such as Mexico, Honduras, Belize, numerous African countries, the Philippines, England, Germany, Australia, Nepal, India and others. The Independent Restoration Branches have a full array of ministerial endeavors such as hospital and nursing home ministry, very active and involved youth groups for all ages, summer youth camps and retreats at different times of the year, women’s ministries, Reunion experiences for all each summer, priesthood training, home ministry, assistance to the needy, regular worship services and prayer services as well as weekly church school classes for all age groups.

 

As we expectantly await the 7th prophet, as Independent Restoration Branches we shall continue to move forward with the Great and Marvelous Work that we have been called to be a part of in this latter day.